Pomona College, a prestigious liberal arts institution in Claremont, California, has recently become the site of widespread protests and demands for change. Students, faculty, and staff have taken to the streets to voice their concerns about a range of issues, from racial discrimination to administrative misconduct.
Addressing Systemic Racism
One of the central focuses of the protests has been on addressing systemic racism within the college community. Students have pointed to numerous incidents of racial profiling, microaggressions, and bias in decision-making processes.
According to a 2021 study by the Higher Education Data Sharing Consortium, Black students at Pomona College are 2.5 times more likely to be suspended or expelled than white students. Furthermore, a recent survey conducted by the Black Student Union found that over 70% of Black students at Pomona have experienced some form of racial bias on campus.
Demanding Administrative Accountability
In addition to addressing racial discrimination, protesters have also called for increased transparency and accountability from college administrators. Students and faculty have alleged that the administration has failed to adequately respond to concerns about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
For instance, in 2020, over 20 students of color sent a letter to the college president expressing their concerns about the lack of representation in faculty and staff positions. However, the administration’s response was deemed insufficient by many students and faculty.
A Call for Dialogue and Collaboration
The protests at Pomona College have not only raised important issues but have also prompted a call for dialogue and collaboration between all members of the community. Students, faculty, staff, and administrators have organized town halls, workshops, and other events to foster open and honest conversations about the challenges facing the college.
Envisioning a More Equitable Future
The ongoing protests at Pomona College represent a collective effort to create a more equitable and inclusive campus community. By holding the institution accountable and demanding change, students, faculty, and staff are working towards a future where all members of the Pomona community feel valued, respected, and heard.
Key Demands of the Protesters
The following are some of the key demands put forward by the protesters at Pomona College:
- Create a dedicated office for diversity, equity, and inclusion. This office would be responsible for developing and implementing programs and policies to promote diversity and combat bias on campus.
- Increase the representation of faculty and staff of color. Pomona College has set a goal of hiring 100 new faculty members of color by 2025. However, protesters say that this is not enough and that the college needs to do more to address the current lack of diversity in faculty and staff positions.
- Provide more training on diversity, equity, and inclusion for faculty and staff. Many protesters have expressed that they believe that many faculty and staff members lack the knowledge and skills necessary to create an inclusive classroom environment.
- Create a more transparent and accountable grievance process. Protesters have alleged that the current grievance process is not fair or transparent. They are calling for a new grievance process that is more accessible and responsive to the needs of students.
Supporting the Protesters
There are several ways to support the protesters at Pomona College:
- Attend the protests. Show your support by attending the protests and rallies that are being organized by students, faculty, and staff.
- Contact the college administration. Express your support for the protesters’ demands by contacting the college administration and letting them know that you stand with the protesters.
- Donate to the protesters. There are several organizations that are supporting the protesters at Pomona College. You can donate to these organizations to help fund their efforts.
- Spread the word. Help to spread the word about the protests and the protesters’ demands by sharing articles and social media posts.
Conclusion
The protests at Pomona College are a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality in higher education. By speaking out against discrimination and demanding change, the protesters are working towards a future where all members of the Pomona community feel valued, respected, and heard.
